I am looking for a printer that will print pictures on 3/4 inch wood. Most of the prints will be smaller (8x8 or 8x10) but I also need to be able to print up to 30x40 inches. I have been searching forums on here for a while and have found a few new printers in the 90-120k range, but I was curious if there is entry level machine around the 40-60k mark. I am open to possibly purchasing a used machine if I am able to look at it and do a few sample prints first. I was also wondering if it would be worth my time to fly out to the expo at the end of February in Orlando or if the machines there would be out of my price range. Any feedback would be appreciated.
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Flatbed printer question
- Thread starter Greg2142
- Start date
You are going to be looking at a used flatbed in that price range of 40k to 60k. I have a FB500 and it will print on wood with no problem all day long. The only thing is that you have to make sure that there is no warping in the wood. Just the slightest warping will cause head hits. Otherwise flatbed is the way to go but it won't be easy keeping in that price range.
SignManiac
New Member
Or outsource if you're only doing small quantities.
Carl Crabtree
New Member
Mimaki sells a small flatbed. I think it just prints about 11.5" x 17.5"
particleman
New Member
You might be able to find an FB500 on the high end of your range. It is relatively easier to move compared to true flats beds and is still current technology as far as HP goes.
Thank you for all the feedback, it is much appreciated. I think used is going to be my only option. I have printed on veneer and applied it to the wood but it isn't the look I am trying to achieve. If anyone has any leads on printers for sale (California, Arizona, Nevada area) I would be interested in checking them out.
Here is a decent website for used equipment:
http://globalgarage.net/
http://globalgarage.net/
mnapuran
New Member
Interesting... where do you get the veneer on a roll?
EDIT: Found this - http://sheerveneer.com/products/
artbot
New Member
if it's just wood on a budget, veneer is a good way to go with any of the straight epson based printers. i printed on veneer for years before i finally got a big flatbed. large pieces can be a bit tricky because of low warps that work across the sheet. you can also get really wood paper. if you coat the wood with SW cab lacquer, the solvent ink will stick and dry to it just fine with no heat.
the graphics co
New Member
If you are thinking of spending 40-60k on a printer, it would be worth it to spend a few hundred to go to the sign show and see what will work best for your needs.
sowinski_t
New Member
+1 for going to sign show.
At a previous shop I worked at, we ran just about everything under the sun through out OCE 250GT, they are pricey but the quality is incredible. Printed on wood (and veneer), looked great! Might be able to find a used one now since they are a few years old...
At a previous shop I worked at, we ran just about everything under the sun through out OCE 250GT, they are pricey but the quality is incredible. Printed on wood (and veneer), looked great! Might be able to find a used one now since they are a few years old...
CS-SignSupply-TT
New Member
Check out Roland www.rolanddga.com/products/printers/lef